Judson, Swain County, North Carolina facts for kids
Judson was once a small town in Swain County, North Carolina. About 600 people lived there. But Judson is gone now. It was evacuated because a big dam, the Fontana Dam, was being built on the Little Tennessee River. This dam created a huge lake called Fontana Lake.
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The Story of Judson: A Town Under Water
What Happened to Judson?
Judson was a lively community located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Its residents lived near the Little Tennessee River. In the early 1940s, the United States government decided to build a large dam. This dam was needed to produce electricity for the war effort during World War II.
Why Did Fontana Lake Cover Judson?
The construction of the Fontana Dam began in 1942 and finished in 1944. This massive project created Fontana Lake, a huge reservoir. To make way for the lake, many towns and historic sites had to be cleared. Judson was one of these towns. Its residents had to leave their homes forever. The rising waters of Fontana Lake eventually covered the entire town.
The Promise of "The Road To Nowhere"
When the people of Judson and other nearby communities had to move, the government made a promise. They said they would build a new road. This road would allow the displaced residents to still visit their old lands. This included important places like family cemeteries. Many relatives of the former residents were buried there.
However, only about seven miles of this new road were ever built. The project was then stopped and never finished. Today, this unfinished road is known locally as "The Road To Nowhere". It reminds people of the promise that was not fully kept.
What Can You See Today?
Most of Judson is now deep underwater. But sometimes, when the water level of Fontana Lake is very low, you can still see parts of the old town. Some structures and foundations might become visible. This offers a rare glimpse into the past of a town that disappeared under the lake.
